Dave's fave restaurants


17 Oct 2018 | Last update: 23 Dec 2020

A few of my own regular go-to places and one or two treats.

Make sure you understand what a "Menu del dia" is, the secret to eating well without breaking the bank. See my Menu del dia page for an explanation.

I highly recommend you check out my good friend Bill Sinclair's blog about the most interesting bars and restaurants in Barcelona. His articles are published in various places including the Guardian. Check out his blog at Bill in Barcelona. Not just food, but all kinds of curiosities around the city. He's a real enthusiast!

And if you're looking to push the boat out, you must visit the gourmet food blog Food Barcelona. The very best restaurants reviewed by a professional food critic. Inspirational!

Delicamon
Port Olimpic
First off, not a restaurant at all, just a cafe and sandwich bar. But they are located just outside the port so ideal for stocking up on sandwiches, snacks and drinks before your sail. They offer a selection of really rather nice sandwiches.
Barca de Salamanca
Port Olimpic
Ideal for lunch after a morning sail. Very popular with locals, usually with a busy vibe. There are several very similar restaurants in the marina, Salamanca currently gets my vote for their friendly, efficient service and reliable quality.
Can Ros
Barceloneta
A hidden gem, this neighbourhood restaurant offers a high quality lunch menu at a very fair price. If you're in the barrio in the afternoon, treat yourself.
La Bombeta
Barceloneta
A famous, lively spot for excellent tapes. Go in a group, expect a noisy, fun ambience with not much elbow room betweeen the tables. Order a whole bunch of stuff and get stuck in. Wash it all down with their excellent, cheerful, cheap-as-chips turbio wine, a young white wine still cloudy with yeast. They have more rooms out back so even if it seems full from the outside, if there's not a queue they probably have space.
Morryssom
Diagonal/Gracia
Great spot for tapes and wine in the evening.
Try their zarajos, a dish from the city of Cuenca. I only know one other place in Barcelona serving these. Incredibly rich lamb's intestines (I know, but trust me on this!) wrapped around vine twigs and roasted.
Goliard
Diagonal/Gracia
Lovely, quiet place for dinner. They offer an excellent tasting menu for about €25.
Nou Can Codina
Diagonal/Gracia
Every bar in Barcelona serves croquettes, and they're dull as dishwater. Not here. They have about 8 different varieties and they're all mouthwatering. You can get a variety pack with one of each for about 9 Euros. Fantastic!
The Pulpo a la Gallega here is unique, and fantastic. A whole octopus arm, or leg, whatever, tentacle I guess, served with potatoes and seasoned with cayenne pepper. Everywhere else serves this with the tentacle already sliced. Also, a lot of places overcook it, so it comes out rubbery. Not here. Cooked to perfection and uniquely presented. You'll want to take photos of this one!
Their morcilla is amazing. A simple blood sausage on a piece of toasted bread.
And while we're here, did I mention they have a great selection of local craft beers?
This place has a tavern vibe, popular with locals, often busy.
Peruà Andino
Sagrada Familia
If you're visiting Sagrada Familia - or Hospital Sant Pau (and you should) - you can escape the tourist traps and choose this excellent Peruvian restaurant instead.

What our customers say

Over 250 ★★★★★ reviews

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence & Hall of Fame 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

Something different

Fantastic venture with Capt Dave for a surprise birthday gift for a friend. Beautiful boat, great views of Barcelona and fun watching the boat being operated by sail and hitting some descents speeds!
Al H | London, United Kingdom

Excellent change of pace from busy Barca

Fantastic day out and got my first hands - on experience of sailing which was exhilarating. David was great company. Bring food, water and warm, wind-proof clothes - it's much cooler out on the water. This would be an amazingly refreshing experience in summer. Thank you David!
postmodernista | Glasgow, United Kingdom

The perfect getaway

If you want to see Barcelona from another side, you certainly want to sail with skipper Dave.
stijns740 |

Hen do fun!

We surprised the boat loving bride to be with a 3.5 hour private trip on the Gemini and she absolutely loved it. We all had the most amazing experience. The boat is gorgeous and with the sun out this really is a must do in Barcelona! David is a lovely guy, very friendly and easy going. We brought our own food and drink on board and some speakers to play our own music. This is such a good price as well compared to other boat companies over there that charge double the price for half the amount of time. We all definitely recommend this and would go back again next time we are in Barca.
Gembles85 | Surrey

Great day's sailing!

Dave is a very friendly and accommodating skipper, with your enjoyment and safety as his top priority. We had an excellent 7 hour day sail from Port Olimpic on-board Gemini, a very nice wooden boat (one of the few traditional wooden boats in Barcelona), with her distinctive wooden mast.
mjpm24 | London

Highlight of our trip

We really enjoyed sailing with Dave. We spent 10 days in Barcelona and sailing was our break from sightseeing, which turned out to be the highlight of our trip. Would definitely go back. First time on the Mediterranean, it was beautiful and relaxing. Dave was a great host.
Jolynne P |

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